Maryland: U.S. investigators say a man accused of killing a young Indian woman in Maryland attempted to deflect suspicion by reporting her missing before abruptly leaving the country.
The victim, 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala, was found dead inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on January 3. Authorities said the apartment belonged to Arjun Sharma, 26, who has since been charged with her murder. Police believe Godishala was killed on the evening of December 31, New Year’s Eve, several days before her body was discovered.
According to investigators, Sharma contacted emergency services on January 2 to report Godishala missing, claiming he had last seen her on December 31. Shortly after making the report, he boarded a flight from Dulles International Airport to India. The sudden departure, officials said, raised immediate concerns and prompted a wider investigation.
When police searched the apartment the following day, they discovered Godishala’s body. Authorities said she had remained there since the time of the alleged killing.
Arrest abroad, extradition sought
An international search was launched involving Interpol, U.S. federal agencies, and Indian law enforcement. Sharma was located and taken into custody on January 5 in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Howard County police have filed charges of first- and second-degree murder against him and are now working with federal authorities to begin formal extradition proceedings so he can be returned to the United States to face trial.
Allegations of financial misconduct
Beyond the homicide charges, investigators are also examining claims of financial wrongdoing. Godishala’s sister, Saraswati, has alleged that Sharma carried out unauthorised transactions totaling about USD 3,500 from Nikitha’s bank account before fleeing the country.
In a complaint submitted to the Indian Embassy in the U.S., Saraswati said Sharma had repeatedly asked both sisters for money in the days leading up to Nikitha’s death. According to the complaint, he borrowed thousands of dollars from the family and failed to repay the full amount. The family claims he still owed them a significant sum at the time of the incident.
Family disputes nature of relationship
While U.S. authorities have referred to Sharma as Godishala’s former boyfriend, her family has challenged that description. Her father, Anand Godishala, said Sharma was only a previous roommate and not romantically involved with his daughter.
“He filed the complaint and then escaped to India,” Anand said, calling for strict punishment. He added that Nikitha had spoken to him on December 31 to wish him a happy New Year and had not indicated any immediate concerns.
Remembering the victim
Nikitha Godishala worked as a data analyst in Maryland and was employed by Vheda Health. Colleagues described her as a dedicated professional who had recently been recognised for her work.
Her family has appealed to both the Indian central government and the Telangana state government for assistance in bringing her remains back to India, as legal proceedings continue on two continents.
